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Children who paddle where the ocean bed shelves steeply…

“Children who paddle where the ocean bed shelves steeply Must take great care they do not, Paddle too deeply.' Thus spake the awful aging couple Whose heart the years had turned to rubble. But the little children, to save any bother, Let it in at one ear and out at the other.” quote by Stevie Smith
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““Children who paddle where the ocean bed shelves steeply Must take great care they do not, Paddle too deeply.' Thus spake the awful aging couple Whose heart the years had turned to rubble. But the little children, to save any bother, Let it in at one ear and out at the other.””

Stevie Smith

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that children, like anyone, must be cautious about absorbing harmful ideas without critical reflection, lest they be damaged.

In simple terms: Children must filter what they hear and not accept everything blindly.

Key Takeaway

Teach critical listening and discernment.

Themes

education critical thinking parenting

Mood

concerned reflective

Type

advice cautionary

When to use this quote

  • school
  • family discussions
  • media consumption
  • childhood education

Key Concepts

media influence psychology development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you teach children to evaluate information?
  • What habits protect against uncritical acceptance?
A Different Perspective

Children may still be vulnerable to subtle influences despite warnings.

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